Summary: This movie came out in early 2012, but only arrived in Aust recently (through Koorong). Encounter 2 is the sequel to "The Encounter" (strangely enough), which came out a couple of years ago. Basically, the plot basically involves a drug smuggler (& his partner), and the Federal agent who wants to kill the main guy (instead of simply arresting him), due to a personal vendetta against him. Enter a man who claims he is Jesus (played by veteran actor, Bruce Marchiano, who played Jesus in the original movie), who offers people help with dealing with all their individual issues, He offers redemption and salvation, since He is in fact, the Christ, Son of the living God.
Background: Set on a Thai island (was actually made entirely in Thailand), on an island resort. Introduction to the movie sets the tone with US Federal agent, Rick, very determined to catch his man, Bruno, drug runner, wanting to put his criminal days behind him. Very beautiful setting (entirely different to the 1st movie).
My verdict: The Encounter 2 started out like an action movie, then changed after half an hour, to Jesus talking to individual characters. For me, it was confusing in what direction that movie was going (action or drama?). Some scenes in the movie e.g. involved flashbacks of some of the characters' lives, went longer than necessary. The 1st encounter movie set a high standard, so some weaker parts of this movie stood out clearer e.g. when Jesus talked to individuals, tended to shut out shots of any other characters in the room. Having said all that, the way 'Jesus'(acted by the same actor who played Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew) explains peoples' issues e.g. unforgiveness, bitterness, and how they can get freedom from that through trusting in God (& Him - Christ). Bruce Marchiano is really the star of the movie (even though the veteran actor of Christian movies, David AR White, gets a good run as the agent). He tries to convey the passion and heart of Jesus for every person. In recent interviews, Bruce really believes that this is what Jesus is really about, and tries to express this in movies where he plays Him.
Notable quotes:
"Ï'm Jesus. I'll never tell you that you are not hurting, when you really are".
Highlights:
Jesus talking to characters individually, bringing up some 'home truths', and offering them hope and grace.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Summary: Hard to beat the first Encounter movie and runs in a few different directions - but Bruce Marchiano is still 1st class at playing Jesus.
Summary: A biographical movie about the life of Martin Luther who started the Protestant Reformation after witnessing the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church.
What's it all about: There have been few movies about the life of Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk who changed the face of Christianity, especially in Germany. After escaping a lightning strike, Luther vows to give his life to God, and he becomes a monk. However, it is something with which he struggles, and he also sees a lot of inconsistency and abuses in the Roman Catholic Church. A superior and mentor of his sends him to seminary where he finally has a chance to read and study the Bible for himself, which is where he discovers that a lot of things that were being taught by the church are wrong. He decides to set out to try and reform the church, but in so doing, Luther finds that that he is against more than he bargained for.
Notable Quotes:
Johann Von Staupitz: “We preach best what we need to learn most!”
Luther: “That day when you sent me out so boldly to change the world, did you really think there wouldn't be a cost?”
Luther: “As for myself, the priests assured me that by gazing at sacred relics, I could cut down my time in Purgatory. Luckily for me, Rome had enough nails from the Holy Cross to shoe every horse in Saxony.”
Luther: “So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!"
Luther: “Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason and not by Popes and councils who have so often contradicted themselves, my conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.”
Highlights:
Luther teaching about relics and indulgences in the theological seminary is hilarious.
Luther’s speeches are impressive, particularly one where he is preaching in a church and another when he defends himself at the Diet of Worms.
A scene where some powerful noblemen stand up for what they believe in despite the consequences is also very inspiring.
Where available - Christian bookstores, such as Koorong and Word or www.ourchurchbookstore.com.au
Movie length: 90 minutes
Final review: I have found this movie about the life of the famous Luther to be quite entertaining and compelling, and it is a good introduction to the subject of Martin Luther. The acting is actually pretty good all round! Joseph Fiennes ("Shakespeare in Love"), who plays the title role does a brilliant job, apart from the fact that he is actually taller than Luther was. Incidentally, he is also the brother of actor, Ralph Fiennes. One who plays a beneficiary of Luther named Prince Frederick is the late Sir Peter Ustinov (involved in many areas of the performing arts and media during his life). Two of Luther’s antagonists in the film are also played by top actors. The role of John Tetzel is played by Alfred Molina ("Chocolat"), and the role of Cardinal Aleander is played by Jonathan Firth (Colin Firth’s brother). The costuming, locations, and sets are also excellent and really do put you in the period extremely well.
I did notice whilst watching this movie that certain famous moments in the life of Luther were left out, such as his discovery of justification by faith in the Book of Romans and the fight with the devil resulting in an ink stain on the wall of his room. So, I went in search of whether or not this movie held up historically, and I was surprised to find that there were actually a number of inaccuracies in this movie, which you can read about in Wikipedia. Some of them are down to trying to squeeze a lot into a feature length movie, and others may be down to making the story more interesting. The main inaccuracy that I saw was the portrayal of Andreas Karlstadt, a professor at the college where Luther taught. He was made to look like a revolutionary and the starter of the Peasants’ War, when in actual fact; he detested violence in the name of religion. He was also a reformer who took his own 151 theses to the Pope himself before Luther sent his 95 theses to the Bishops!
So, the movie isn’t entirely accurate historically. However, I do want to say again that there are a lot of things in it that are accurate, such as the fact that it was John Tetzel’s false teaching that moved Luther to action. This movie is a good one to watch if you are interested in the life of Martin Luther, and it is pretty compelling to watch. The storyline is also very inspiring from a faith perspective.
Summary: This movie is a great movie about 5 people from different backgrounds who are brought together to a diner for 1 night, and all their lives are challenged by the manager, a man who claims to be 'Jesus' (will refer to Him as Jesus in this review, even though we know Jesus was played by an actor). This man challenges all of them to look to Him for help for their difficulties in their lives. The man playing Jesus is Bruce Marchiano, a great actor who in real life is a Christian, also playing Jesus in "the Gospel according to Matthew" (a drama portraying Jesus from the book of Matthew). This movie is directed by David A.R. White, an actor of many Christian/faith movies in the last 15 years, this is his first film as director.
What's it all about: a great movie explaining apologetics, defending the Christian faith, in Jesus' interactions with each member of the group - a self made business man (for any USA pro-wrestling fans, Steve "Sting" Borden), a married couple who were considering divorce, a single lady in an unhealthy relationship, and a young teenage runaway). They all have questions about their lives, and one at a time, Jesus gently shares His wisdom, gradually revealing Himself more to them, as the movie progresses. He does this with a gentle humour, yet speaks with love and truth.
Quote: when one of the group comments that his name, Jesus (on his name badge) was a 'nice name, religious". Jesus says," it doesn't have anything to do with religion, it was my Father's idea";
- "I'm sorry, all I serve here is water (Jesus);"
- "I know all of you. I've known you since before you were born. And I've got a plan for you, a perfect plan, all you have to do, is believe in me".
- "What'll it be? Menu or special order?"
Highlights: * Jesus' subtle humour e.g. shows his driver's license with a picture of himself playing Jesus in "..Matthew"
* each person coming to the realisation (little miracles along the way helps) that the man in the diner is actually Jesus who loves them and wants to help them.
* Jaci Velasquez (one of favourite singers back in the 90's when she was a teenager), in one of her first acting roles
* learning of each person's past and how God was working in their lives
* Jesus persisting in getting to the heart issues of one of the group, who was resisting Him.
Rating : 9 out of 10
Final review: All believers have all wondered at one time or another what would Jesus be like if he walked amongst us today. Bruce Marchiano is wonderful in portraying Jesus in all the ways I imagined him to be. I have found in my walk with God, it helps sometimes to picture Jesus in those difficult times. This is a great movie for this.
Summary: Sarah Collins goes for the promotion that she has wanted for a long time when she discovers that she’s pregnant. Now, she has a pretty major decision to make – a choice between her budding career and her baby. She is given three visions to aid her in her decision-making.
What's it all about: Quality faith movie creator, Pure Flix, tackles the controversial subjects of unplanned pregnancy and abortion as we follow Sarah Collins, played by singer, Rebecca St James, as she is about to get her first real promotion. It is for a job that requires commitment and flexibility. Suddenly, she discovers that she is pregnant and that she has a decision to make. Add to that the fact that her boyfriend, Matt, is not sure what he should do and she has lots of bills to pay and needs the pay rise. Also, she comes from a Christian background, but went through an experience when she was a kid that has caused her to question God. To aid her in her decision, she has three visions that give her glimpses into her potential future both if she has the baby, and if she doesn’t. These cause her to seriously think about her future as well as issues of faith in a God who she feels has let her down in the past.
Notable Quotes:
Megan: “Sarah, I made my choice. You’re going to have to make yours. Just make sure it’s a decision you can live with.”
___________
Sarah: “I have kind of a weird question for you.”
Pastor Smith: “Is your question if God is so powerful and He can do anything, can He make a stone so heavy that He can’t lift it?”
Sarah: No.
Pastor Smith: “Yeah, I’ve been wrestling with that one for years!”
___________
Matt: “When life tries to hurt you, I promise you, it’s going to have to get through me first.”
Highlights:
The first two visions show Sarah interacting with her child, and it gives little funny and heartwarming glimpses into being a parent.
The advice that Matt’s uncle gives him about love, marriage, and being a man is quite wise.
A ceremony at the end where one of the characters sends a letter to heaven to their unborn child with the song in the background, “Little One” by Rebecca St James herself, is very touching.
Where available - Christian bookstores, such as Koorong and Word or www.ourchurchbookstore.com.au
Movie length: 90 minutes
Rating: 8 out of 10
Final review: Aussie singer, Rebecca St James, does a good job in her first major movie role as the confused mother-to-be, Sarah. Andrea Logan White is also notable as the bitter friend who just wants to be successful in life. Julian Bailey adds a touch of humour in his supporting role as the boyfriend who is trying to figure out whether to marry Sarah or if it is the end of their relationship. Dick Van Patten appears as the pastor of Sarah’s mother’s church. If you have seen other movies from Pure Flix, you may recognize a couple of other actors from other movies they have created, such as Staci Keanan who doesn’t do too badly with an Aussie/Kiwi accent.
I think that this movie is not only good for raising the important issues that it does for those who are undecided about them, but it could both challenge some Christians on their attitude towards those who have had an abortion as well as possibly being healing for those who have already had one.
Whilst it is not a perfect movie or one that has changed my life, I would say that this is a well-made, informative, and touching movie. I wouldn’t recommend it for the whole family as it is rated M and there are adult concepts in it, such as abortion and pregnancy, unless the parent has already talked to their child about these things. I would recommend it for youth or young adults groups or for those who are trying to decide where they stand or want to see a different perspective on these issues.
Summary: This is a recording of 2 nights of a seminar (2 DVD's) of brilliant teaching by the 'prince of grace' - Joseph Prince, from his visit to Hillsong church in Sydney (Australia) in 2007. This is, in my opinion, the best teaching on grace, that I have ever heard. The first DVD is called, "Jesus' gift of righteousness is made us heir of the world", and 2nd DVD is called, "Boast Of The Lord's love for you, not your love For Him". (There are CD's available for this seminar, and they include other messages not on these DVD's). According to ''Wikipedia', this seminar launched Joseph Prince's ministry internationally (He is only going to the US to preach for the 1st time at the end of October 2011- Joel Osteen's church in Texas)
What's it all about: Joseph Prince, a brilliant pastor of 'New Creation Church' in Singapore, preaches from his heart about grace. This has good shots of people in the congregation (crowd), and their reactions to Joseph's message (and jokes!).
How long: Both messages are about 1 hr 20 mins long (probably good for 2 nights in a small group for each DVD - Total 2 hr 43mins)
Where available - Christian bookstores, Joseph Prince website, www.ourchurchbookstore.com.au
Notable quotes: DVD 1 - "Right believing produces right doing and right living"; "faith has (for some people) become a work (but) it is nothing more than seeing Jesus"; "Thank God, I am righteous by faith, by the blood of Jesus, not by my performance".
DVD 2 - "God's grace will teach people to deny ungodliness. Grace is a wonderful teacher"; "focus on the Lord's love for you, not your love for Him"; "good things happen to those who believe that God loves them".
Highlights: Joseph's illustrations on the believer changing from being a slave from sin to a slave of righteousness (Disc 1); also talking about John - 'the disciple whom Jesus loves" (Disc 2)
Rating: 10 out of 10
Final summary: Wow - this DVD has honestly made more impact in my life than any other - it has changed my life and helped me to break out of the bondage of religion. I would recommend it to anyone - even if they don't believe in Jesus, to see the reality and simplicity of the life of Jesus, showing us the grace of God. Buy it (or loan it from me) and let the completeness of Jesus'work on the cross sink in deep in your heart. You'll be set free !! (John 8:32)
* Please note - the trailer below relates to the 6 CD's recorded of Joseph Prince's messages at this conference - my review above is of 2 of these messages on DVD *
Summary: This DVD series is a compilation of 4 messages by Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Texas, USA, :-
How to handle criticism;
Realistic expectations in relationships;
Enlarge your circle of Love
Divine Connections
What's it all about: these 4 messages filmed probably recently & in the last couple of years, I believe to be some of the greatest teaching from Joel on dealing with these topics, wanting to help people to have the right attitude in relationships. Each message has some great teaching, which you probably won't get the 1st time you see it. Every time I watch some of these, I am always encouraged, and get something new out of it.
Notable quotes:
"How to deal with criticism" - "Celebrate other peoples' victories. If God can do it for them, He can certainly do it for you". "Listen, I've found no matter what you do or don't do, somebody is going to talk, somebody is going to be critical. You might as well do what God has put in your heart, and just trust Him to take care of the critics".
"Realistic expectations in relationships"- "ïf we are going to have good relationships, we have to let people off the hook. We have to give them room to make mistakes, to have a bad day once a while"."Your joy is your own personal responsibility". "Divine connections"- "Sometimes when a door is not opening, that's because God doesn't want it to open. It may be because it's going to do us more harm than good, or its going to limit our growth". "Understand, our destiny is connected to other people. But the good news is that God already has them lined up". "Expanding your circle of love" - "Really, what causes us to judge, is pride".""Don't make judgments, give people the benefit of the doubt. When we see other people that struggle in an area, maybe they have a negative quality. Instead of being quick to judge and complain and being critical, what we should really do is say(pray), 'Father, thank you, for giving me grace in that area. Thank you for not struggling in that."
Plus many others from each message, but I don't have room to write them all!
Highlights:
the 1st message on 'how to handle criticism' is one of the best I've heard on this topic, similar to some that Joyce Meyer has spoken about dealing with difficult people esp. the analogy about the 'slingers' (referring to attackers of a city in Old Testament times)
Joel's great sense of humour
stories of Joel's father (John Osteen) and Joel's relationship with him
touching stories of real people that illustrate truths
seeing Joel's mother shaking her head at him after one of his family jokes
Message length: each one is between 26-28 mins
Rating: 9 & 1/2 out of 10
Final review:
Great practical teaching that Joel shares is impacting and encouraging. You may want to get your notepad out to take notes, because there's so many good points that are worth remembering. If you are struggling in your faith and/or dealing with difficult circumstances, any of these messages is great for encouragement and gives you hope to keep hanging on. Also great to watch at the end of the night if you have seen something you wish you hadn't on TV earlier!
When a teenager shoots a gun in the air in his school corridor, then kills himself, people react differently. Parents mourn, relatives grieve, some kids are shocked, but quickly disassociate themselves, but one kid, decided he let his friend down, and is going to make his life count.
I have a heart for young people. Teenagers have had so many battles of recent times. Addictions, Depression, Suicide, abuse, and it all stems from a generation who haven’t been loved. A generation who have no hope for the future. 'ver 80% of teenagers leave church after school has finished. I will do everything I can to see this generation of youth hear the good news of Jesus, and walk into their destiny.
Recently I saw a movie that I believe every teenager and parent needs to see! “To Save a Life.” I relate personally to this movie because my school life has a similar story line to the main character.
Cutting a long story short, I committed my life to Christ at the age of 15, and wanted to reach my school for Christ. There was a horrible shooting at my school. Where a 14 yr old kid shot 2 teachers and a student in an act of drug induced madness. No-one died, but it shook our school to the core.
Those of us that were Christians began to pray, we began to meet in the library, we invited in bands and pastors to speak into the life of our school. Because we sowed into the spiritual life of our school we saw a great harvest of Souls.
In the same way, the movie depicts the dramas and the tribulations at a U.S. high school, and the change that happens when one life is impacted by Christ, and the ripple effect that flows through an entire community.
The first thing that impressed me about the movie is the production quality. Sometimes we cringe when we see B grade “faith based” films, but I had very little cringe factor in watching this movie, acting was great too, and music choice outstanding (music including Switchfoot, Superchic and Needtobreathe etc). I had so many tears during this movie, I was so drawn on to the story, and rarely does a movie grab me with such conviction.
It tackles issues our youth face head –on. Bullying, I had flashbacks for what I saw at my school, and the fears I have for my kids as they progress through school. Popularity, this curse has been alienating the underdog forever, and this movie paints a stark contrast between the “haves” and the “have nots.” It also tackles the issue of hypocrisy in the church. 'ne of the biggest criticisms from the unchurched is that we are talking the talk but not walking the walk. So great to see a movie that gets down and dirty with the real problems teens face. 'ne of the more sensitive issues it tackles is abortion, painting a genuine struggle, and the need for support for all involved, once again, my heart broke for those characters in this movie, who I felt like I was there with them in their struggle.
We live in a changed world, one that is driven by online worlds, which for some are more of a reality than life itself. The young guy who suicided, tried to reach out for help on the net, but no-one took him seriously. In one of the ironies of this film, our hero Jake sets up a website to reach out, and thousands upon thousands are impacted.
Well done to the producers and team who put this together, I will be screening this at my church for youth and parents, and will lobby to get this in every school in our country. It’s a message we all need to get the heart of. Our youth need to be loved, to be listened to, to have something walk with them though their stuff. The church needs to wake up and sow seeds into this next generation, and the harvest we reap will change the world.
Matt Prater is Pastor at New Hope Brisbane, a dynamic outreach focussed church in Brisbane. He also hosts the weekly interview style program “History makers,” heard on over 55 radio stations internationally.
